Mature Onc. Sharry Baby - Orchid Board

Dollythehun · #1 07-14-2018, 06:21 PM

A few people have asked how big a Sharry Baby gets. Mine has lived with me for three years. She arrived in a 4" pot. This is an 8" pot with roots coming out the bottom. This year she has 5 spikes. 36" rods aren't nearly long enough to stake through entire bloom stalk.

I realize this is a common plant, I'm posting just to give a size perspective for any newbies inquiring.

Pattywack · #2 07-14-2018, 06:59 PM

WOW! Carol I’ve never seen a Sharry Baby as gorgeous as this. I had no idea they grew so large either. The spikes are unbelievable and it sure makes for a nice centerpiece on your table. The fragrance must be amazing. I don’t grow this plant so I’m happy to see how a well grown one looks. Thanks for sharing, enjoy.

Dollythehun · #3 07-14-2018, 07:49 PM

It's only there because the window sash it sits in front of, got replaced and will be stained Monday. Where do you out something this big?! The table was the only place. Plus, I've never noticed much scent, I guess it makes up for it in flowers. Thanks for the compliment!

fishmom · #4 07-14-2018, 09:01 PM

That is one spectacular plant! I too have never seen one so large. And the number of flowers! You obviously have Sharry Baby care dialed in!!!

Dollythehun · #5 07-14-2018, 09:26 PM

Benign neglect. 😉

Leafmite · #6 07-15-2018, 11:51 PM

Looks fantastic!

camille1585 · #7 07-16-2018, 02:38 AM

Fantastic looking plant! Your spikes are enormous, mine never made such tall spikes. I bought a Sharry Baby 3-4 years ago, and it had gotten quite monsterous (plant was even larger than yours). I loved it despite the amount of space it took up, but sadly I forgot it out on the balcony last fall, and an early freeze killed it... WhiteRabbit (I think it was her) used to have one as well that was a true monster, and it was amazing when all covered in blooms!

jcec1 · #8 07-16-2018, 05:36 AM

Wow, I've never seen spikes so big - even if it is common- you've done a fantastic job - it looks spectacular.

Ray · #9 07-16-2018, 06:46 AM

Back when Sharry Baby 'Sweet Fragrance' was new to the market, I picked up a 2" pot seedling while traveling on business.

When I got home I thought I'd try it in a semi-hydroponics overpotting experiment, so it went into a 12" diameter x 18" tall pot, made from a florists cooler bucket - those things they keep cut flowers in.

It grew and grew for three years, and then when it did flower, I had about two dozen spikes and untold hundreds of flowers.

Mountaineer370 · #10 07-16-2018, 04:34 PM

That is stunning, Carol, absolutely beautiful! Mind if I ask how many times it has bloomed for you in the time you've had it? Was it a mature plant when you got it?